Category: Newcastle News

From Plate Dates to Secret Gin events, posh pop ups to seafood festivals, natural wine masterclasses to night noodle markets and so much more, its only one week until the inaugural Newcastle Food Month kicks off in the heart of the Hunter.
Showcasing New South Wales’ second largest city’s vibrant food scene, the month long program is brimming with events expected to attract foodies from all over the state.
And the signature event, Newcastle’s premiere of the posh Parisienne Pop Up, Le Diner en Blanc will steal the show on Saturday 10^th April. The secret location will be revealed en route to the anticipated 1000 strong contingent who will converge on one of the city’s scenic outdoor spaces at once, donning all white from clothing to table wear, and this sophisticated white party. What’s more there are still a few tickets available simply jump onto newcastle.dinerenblanc.com, enter your email address, validate and register for Phase 3. But don’t delay, ticket sales close on 4 April.
The best way to eat your way through the city this April is to hop on a ‘Plate Date’. 60-plus local restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes have all designed a Newcastle Food Month dish and paired it with a beverage for only $25. Start your day with hotcakes and coffee for two at Edmonds & Co or finish it with Beetroot cured Kingfish and a glass of Thomas Wines Semillon at Nagisa. At $25 you’d be mad not to make it a Plate Date in Newcastle this April.
Head to newcastlefoodmonth.com.au for full program details and bookings.

No stranger to doing things a little differently and always being responsive to consumer trends and member preferences, Wests Newcastle with its five clubs, three gyms and three hotels in the Hunter region, as well as the nib Newcastle Knights, has announced an exciting partnership which will see healthy dining options on the table.
That’s where Teresa Cutter comes in. Teresa is a classically trained chef, nutritionist, best-selling author, accredited fitness trainer and media personality. Known by many as ‘The Healthy Chef’, Teresa’s primary goal is to get people cooking, eating and thinking healthier.
Having admired what Teresa Cutter does, Wests approached Teresa to assist with creating healthy eating options at each of their outlets for day-to-day dining.
This March will see the official launch of this synergistic partnership, with new healthy options added to each club’s menus all designed by Teresa Cutter. From her famous World’s Healthiest Chocolate Cake to wholesome breakfast smoothies, to plant-based Bolognese and beyond, Teresa has made her mark on the clubs’ offering. Seasonally changing Healthy Chef meal options will be available at all Wests Clubs bistros and a selection of cakes, healthy hot ‘Naked Chocolate’, teas and smoothies will be available in all club patisseries year-round. Members will now be able to choose between the club’s traditional menus, or try a healthy alternative.
 For Teresa Cutter “it’s about celebrating the elegance and power of pure and wholesome ingredients, and educating people on how to prepare, eat and think more healthily.” she comments of the opportunity.
The 140,000 plus Wests membership base and their guests will be able to make healthier choices when dining at any of the numerous dining outlets across Newcastle and Port Stephens. Coinciding nicely with the reopening of New Lambton’s fully refurbished Bistro area, members can now enjoy a relaxed and healthy dining experience at Wests.
Members will also have access to The Healthy Chef’s Functional Food Range, consisting of organically sourced proteins, superfoods, collagen, teas and nutritional based wholefood products and cookbooks at special member prices, from next month.
Teresa Cutter will have a selection of her best-selling cookbooks available for sale at special Wests Members prices. Wests members will also be able to take advantage of an incredible discount of 20% off the recently launched and ‘must-have’ Healthy Chef App.
Throughout March, April and May when a menu item is ordered from The Healthy Chef selection at any Wests club, including the daily $15 lunch and dinner option available at each Bistro, members will go in the draw to win a Years’ Worth of Wellness. The prize will include a weekly meal from The Healthy Chef selection, valued at $900*.
 You’ll love the wellness options available at all clubs seven days a week for both lunch and dinner – from Salmon Burgers to Super Green Pie to the always-on Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese, available in all bistro outlets until the end of May. Or if you find yourself at one of Wests Patisserie’s, be sure to give the World’s Healthiest Chocolate Cake, Healthy Carrot Cake with Yoghurt Frosting or one of Teresa’s famous smoothies a go. The Stress Buster Smoothie, the Super Green Smoothie, Nourish Glow Smoothie and her Naked Chocolat drinks and Beauty Tea will be available year round.

City of Newcastle has completed a $2.4 million upgrade of Joslin Street, Kotara with a safe and welcoming new public space created at the heart of the renewal.
The upgrade saw the replacement of drainage infrastructure, footpaths and road surfaces, installation of new street furniture and street planting, alongside pedestrian safety improvements including a pedestrian refuge to enable a safer crossing between Rae Crescent and the busy local shopping area.
The public open space at the corner of Joslin Street and Rae Crescent features a playful sandstone stack, stepping logs for children to explore and relax, seating areas, a drinking fountain and a dog drinking bowl.
The space was unveiled by Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who encouraged the local community to visit the space and the nearby local businesses.
“When we spoke to the community about upgrading this busy local centre we heard of the desire for a safer, more vibrant space to gather and shop,” the Lord Mayor said.
“With $2.4 million invested to completely overhaul the entire local centre, we’ve delivered a more modern and safe public space for local residents and visitors to Kotara.”
“We’re particularly proud of the new, innovative open space which is a great place to catch up with friends over a coffee or bite to eat from the fantastic local businesses.”
The Lord Mayor said that the local community had significantly shaped the new public spaces by providing the City with invaluable feedback through detailed community consultation.
“Input from the community and local business-owners has been critical in making these improvements to the area, which we hope will benefit the Kotara community both now and into the future.”
Sami Mamalis, owner of Joslin Street’s Schnitty City said the project has improved safety in the area, and that locals are enjoying the new space.
“This is great for Joslin Street, it’s good to see people using the space and it gives our customers and visitors somewhere to sit and enjoy the area.”
Future plans for the space include a collaboration with nearby Kotara South Public School to gather themes and ideas for the decoration of an interactive artwork to be installed in the public open space – bringing a climbable caterpillar sculpture to life with colour and character created by local school children.
“We want the community to interact with the new space and key to this is ensuring that local children from Kotara South Public School will get to see their ideas and designs for the new interactive public art come to life,” the Lord Mayor said.
The Joslin Street upgrade was delivered under the City’s Local Centres program, which is delivering upgrades to suburban centres across the local government area including the recently commenced upgrade of Mitchell Street, Stockton, and upgrades due for delivery later this year at Shortland and at James Street Plaza, Hamilton.

With its spectacular ocean views, importance to Newcastle’s traditional custodians the Awabakal people, penal and defence history and timeless appeal for picnics and recreation, King Edward Park holds enormous significance to Newcastle.
Its heritage value is set to be highlighted, with Councillors endorsing a nomination to list Newcastle Recreation Reserve on the NSW State Heritage Register (SHR). The decision whether to apply heritage listing to the site will be made by the NSW Government’s Special Minister for State, Don Harwin.
The Reserve includes King Edward Park, Obelisk Park and tennis courts, Arcadia Park, Shepherds Hill Defence Reserve Military Installations, the Bogey Hole baths and the cliffside above South Newcastle Beach.
It excludes the King Edward Headland Reserve (the former Newcastle Bowling Club site), which is owned by the local Aboriginal community through the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council following a successful claim in 2018 under the 1983 Aboriginal Land Rights Act.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the heritage listing of Newcastle Recreation Reserve, which is being considered by the Heritage Council of NSW, recognises the significance of the area.
“Newcastle Recreation Reserve is a site of considerable cultural, historic and heritage significance to the people of NSW,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The Reserve includes sites of known cultural significance to the Awabakal people, and was the scene of important early interactions with Europeans.
“It was declared a recreation reserve in 1863 and is a rare example in NSW of a comparatively undeveloped inner-city landscape.
“King Edward Park’s Victorian rotunda is an iconic local landmark, while countless Novocastrians have admired the bright annual flower displays that fill the sunken garden with a rainbow of colour each spring.
“The Reserve also possesses coastal native grasslands, including Themeda grass, which is an endangered ecological community threatened by coastal development and weed invasion.
“Listing the Newcastle Recreation Reserve on the State Heritage Register would support City of Newcastle’s commitment under the 2030 Community Strategic Plan and Heritage Strategy 2020-2030 to celebrate, protect and promote our city’s unique built and cultural heritage.”
Cr Nelmes said a listing on the State Heritage Register would put City of Newcastle in a stronger position to obtain funding for heritage projects at the site and also acknowledged that the Minister responsible for heritage determined not to list the Newcastle Recreation Reserve on the State Heritage Register in 2020.

“Regardless of its inclusion on the State Heritage Register, any future development of the Headland Reserve will need to be consistent with the City’s zoning and planning controls. Any future development application will need to address and respond to both onsite heritage and the heritage values of adjoining parcels,” Cr Nelmes said

“Ultimately this matter will be resolved by recommendation of the Heritage Council to the Minister for determination.”

Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Rob Russell welcomed City of Newcastle’s decision to support the nomination in its current format, which excludes the King Edward Headland Reserve from the potential heritage listing.

“The central purpose of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act of 1983 is to provide Aboriginal people with economic independence, to alleviate disadvantage and to compensate for past injustices,” Mr Russell said.
“That is why land grants such as the former Newcastle Bowling Club site are so important and so valuable.
“Heritage listing of this land would have a negative impact on the Awabakal Land Council’s capacity to achieve any financial reward to share with the community from the granting of this land claim, it would disincentivise proposals for any future development.
“The former Newcastle Bowling Club site provides tenuous evidence of significance or heritage value – decades of use as a bowling club have disturbed and destroyed any remnant of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
“However, future development of the site will ultimately allow us to return Aboriginal culture to King Edward Park as part of any operational facility. To take Aboriginal culture back to this great location and realise its potential for contemporary Aboriginal people and all Novocastrians.”

Today, as a consequence of a negotiated outcome, the NSW Court of Appeal upheld part of City of Newcastle’s (CN) appeal regarding the termination of Jill Gaynor’s employment.
The appeal was upheld in relation to an important aspect of what CN argued was a significant error in the District Court’s decision last year. In short, the Court today confirmed CN had a lawful right to terminate Ms Gaynor’s employment and reduced the damages payable to her. Further, error was also acknowledged with respect to the judge of the District Court who heard this matter in that he failed to have regard to CN’s evidence which gave rise to CN’s right to terminate Ms Gaynor’s employment.
CN took the view in 2018, following an extensive independent review, that Ms Gaynor’s conduct in managing Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) was not to the standard required, and made the decision to terminate her employment accordingly.
This decision to terminate Ms Gaynor’s employment was, in part, as a consequence of Ms Gaynor, between 2015 and 2018, approving the release of significant amounts of Special Business Rate funding to Newcastle Now despite the absence of a Business Plan at any time during the 3 years.
Financial statements provided by Newcastle Now for the period 2015/16 to 2017/18 reveal that the BIA spent $1,384,488.95 on wages and a further $287,799.70 on administration, representing 56% of its total income. Such expenditure was never the purpose of the Special Purpose Levy.
CN sets a high standard for its senior staff, especially in ensuring public money is administered appropriately and as required by law. Today’s outcome in the Court of Appeal confirmed CN’s right to bring Ms Gaynor’s employment to an end prior to the completion of her senior staff contract term.
CN takes very seriously its obligations to ratepayers with respect to accounting for levied funds and their divestment. Compliance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) was at the very core of CN’s concern with the District Court decision, and the reason it pursued this matter to the Court of Appeal.
Following the termination of Ms Gaynor’s employment and, in light of the above, CN has taken significant steps to ensure its processes regarding the expenditure of ratepayer funds are transparent and accountable. CN looks forward to the continued successful management of its new BIA structure and notes the many fruitful projects already delivered across the Local Government Area, as well as the Hamilton BIA being awarded the 2021 Community Group of the Year.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 23 March 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Support for a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was supported noting that a motion to establish a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide passed the House of Representatives on Monday, 22 March 2021, with the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party calling for a Royal Commission since December 2019.
The LMM called for Council to support the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, and the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party’s calls for the Prime Minister, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, to listen to veterans and advocates, the will of the Australian Parliament, and establish a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide immediately.
The carried LMM called for council to write to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, thanking the Federal Opposition for their ongoing advocacy to establish a Royal Commission in Veteran Suicide. In addition, the minute called for council to write to the Prime Minister, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, calling on the Australian Government to immediately establish a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide.
New Annual Facts
A Lord Mayoral Minute, which was supported, called for Cr John Church to retract his factually incorrect letter in the Newcastle Herald, noting that Cr Church cannot both support the arts industry in this city and congratulate the artists and organisers of New Annual, while misrepresenting festival attendance figures and opposing funding for the amazing creative and performing arts industries in Newcastle.
TRANSform Newy
A Lord Mayoral Minute, which was supported, congratulated Hunter Gender Alliance, who were successful in receiving a Boost Your Place Grant for their TRANSform Newy initiative. The project aims at improving the rights, health and lives of trans and gender diverse (TGD) people, with a resource booklet with personal experiences and practical tips to help organisations TRANSform their places into a welcoming and safe environment for all.
The LMM asked council to take the TRANSform Newy Pledge, and commit to work with the Hunter Gender Alliance to implement positive changes for TGD people in Newcastle.
In addition, the minute called for City of Newcastle to publish the pledge on its website, with a copy of the TRANSform Newy resource booklet.
Racism Not Welcome Campaign
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was carried to support the ‘Racism Not Welcome’ campaign, as recently endorsed by the City of Sydney and Inner West Council, and headed up by former Socceroos Captain, SBS commentator and human rights campaigner, Craig Foster.
The minute acknowledged Newcastle’s long and proud history as a progressive, welcoming city, including its official status as a Refugee Welcome Zone, and consistent advocacy as a local government leader when it comes to providing support for refugees and migrants settling in Newcastle.
The LMM will explore partnership opportunities with local multicultural organisations and peak bodies as well as grant funding opportunities to support the delivery of the campaign; and asks for the promotion of the ‘Racism Not Welcome’ campaign on City of Newcastle’s website, social media channels and in communication material.
Ordinary Business
Administration of 2021 Council Elections
Councillors voted to determine arrangements for the administration of the Local Government election in the Newcastle Local Government Area on 4 September 2021.
Appointment of voting delegate to the 2021 National General Assembly of Local Government and endorsement of motions
Councillors voted unanimously to appoint the Lord Mayor to exercise Council’s voting rights at the 2021 Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly (NGA) or to appoint a voting delegate from among the Councillor attendees.
Councillor representation on external committee – Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel
Councillors noted Councillor Jason Dunn’s resignation from the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel and appointed Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz as City of Newcastle’s representative on the Panel with Councillor Brad Luke selected as an alternative representative, until the day before the next local government election.
Stairway to Heaven feasibility analysis
Councillors voted to authorise the Chief Executive Officer to enter into a Heads of Agreement with Iris Capital to reach in-principle agreement on the terms and conditions under which the parties might progress the Stairway to Heaven concept. The project would create a landmark public space to enhance the visual and physical connections to Christ Church Cathedral through an integrated approach incorporating City of Newcastle owned land and Iris Capital owned land.
Supplementary report nomination to list Newcastle Recreation Reserve (King Edward Park) on the State Heritage Register
Councillors voted to endorse a nomination to list Newcastle Recreation Reserve (King Edward Park) on the State Heritage Register, which will be forwarded to the Heritage Council for consideration.
The nomination area excludes the King Edward Headland Reserve, which is owned by the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council.
The motion recognised that the inclusion of items on the State Heritage Register is a matter for the NSW Government and the Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts (The Hon Don Harwin MLC). It also acknowledged that regardless of its inclusion on the State Heritage Register, any future development of the Headland Reserve will need to be consistent with the City’s zoning and planning controls. Any future development application will need to address and respond to both onsite heritage and the heritage values of adjoining parcels.
Adoption the 2021-2025 Destination Management Plan
Councillors voted to adopt the 2021-2025 Destination Management Plan, which provides a framework and initiatives to support and expand the Newcastle visitor economy as it recovers in a post COVID-19 environment.
Scholey Street, Mayfield – proposed pedestrian /cycle refuge, road cushions and intersection realignment
Councillors voted to approve the pedestrian and cycle refuge and road cushions on Scholey Street, Mayfield near Nelson Street and realignment of the intersection, to facilitate connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists and improve safety.
Wallarah Road at Young Road, Lambton – pedestrian refuge
Councillors voted to approve a pedestrian refuge on Wallarah Road at Young Road, Lambton, to modify vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety and connectivity in this location.
Beresford Lane and Cooper Street, Newcastle West – Changes to traffic flow direction
Councillors voted to approve the traffic flow changes of Beresford Lane, Newcastle West from eastbound to westbound between Stewart Avenue and Cooper Street and Cooper Street Newcastle West from two-way traffic flow to one-way southbound between Beresford Lane and Hunter Street.
Public Exhibition of the draft 2021/22 Our Budget (Delivery Program 2018-2022 and Operational Plan 2021/22)
Councillors resolved to publicly exhibit the draft 2021/22 Our Budget (2018-2022 Delivery Program and 2021/22 Operational Plan) and draft 2021/22 Fees and Charges Register for 28 days prior to final consideration by Council.
Update to Special Business Rate guidelines
Councillors voted to adopt the updated Assessment Panel membership for the Special Business Rate Expression of Interest Guidelines.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Notices of Motion
City of Newcastle Webcam Network
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to seek NSW Government ‘Smart Places’ funding to develop a strategic network of high-resolution webcams across the LGA to support the visitor and experience economy.
Maintenance of Street Trees under aerial powerlines
Councillors unanimously carried a Notice of Motion for City of Newcastle to write to Ausgrid’s CEO Richard Goss requesting that he provide Councillors with a briefing on current practice for street tree maintenance and management under aerial powerlines.
City of Newcastle notes the contribution of Newcastle’s street tree population to the city’s urban forest, an intergenerational resource that provides multiple community benefits, and the need to improve practices and capacity to ensure these benefits.
GIPA Policy Review
Councillors unanimously carried a Notice of Motion endorsing recent changes to the presentation of confidential items in the Council agenda and business papers to provide greater transparency to the community.
Consistent procedures for sensitive development
Councillors unanimously carried a Notice of Motion that the elected Council is to be notified via memo when a development application is received that involves the demolition or destruction of a Heritage Item, or when a planning proposal is received.

A teen missing in the state’s Hunter Valley region has been located safe and well.
The 14-year-old was last seen about midday today (Monday 22 March 2021) at a high school in Muswellbrook.
Police were notified and commenced an investigation when family members couldn’t get in touch with her.
Following inquiries, the teen was located safe and well at Wollongong tonight (Monday 22 March 2021).
Police wish to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Hunter Valley area.
Courtney Snowden, aged 14, was last seen at her high school in Muswellbrook about midday today (Monday 22 March 2021), and missed the last two periods of school.
When she failed to return home, officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified of her disappearance and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family have concerns for Courtney’s welfare due to her young age and family believe she may be heading to the Wollongong area.
Courtney is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of slim build, with shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a school uniform described as being a blue polo shirt with a black hooded jumper.
Police are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.